Vanlife — why are you even thinking about this?
You're probably reading this because somewhere online you stumbled across a vanlife blog, photos of a campervan parked at sunset, or a video of someone cooking dinner on a cliff in Portugal. And now you're sitting there thinking: is this actually real? Is it just Instagram, or do people genuinely live like this?
The answer is simple: yes, people genuinely live like this. Thousands of them across Europe and worldwide. Some full-time for years, others seasonally, others for a few months as a great adventure between life chapters. And no, you don't need huge savings, a freelance profession or special technical skills.
What you do need is realistic expectations and solid preparation.
First step: which van to choose?
Every vanlife blog has its favourite models and each is slightly different depending on the author's budget and lifestyle. There's no single right answer, but there are a few questions that help you find yours:
- How much space do you need? A permanent bed (not fold-out) is a comfort, but requires a larger vehicle. On a smaller budget a fold-out sofa is sometimes a necessity.
- Do you have a dog or a partner? Two people plus an animal in a small Kangoo is a recipe for frustration. For a family or couple the minimum is a long-wheelbase Sprinter or Transit.
- What roads will you drive? Narrow Tuscan streets are a different requirement than Scandinavian asphalt roads.
Popular base models for conversion
Volkswagen T5/T6, Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit, Renault Master, Fiat Ducato — these are the most popular conversion bases in Europe. Each has its advantages (parts availability, price, wheelbase) and disadvantages (fuel consumption, repair costs). On a budget below €5,000 it's better to find an older, proven model than a younger one with an unclear history.
The conversion — DIY or buy ready-built?
Two approaches, two worlds.
DIY conversion means lower cost (materials, not labour), full control over the layout and enormous satisfaction. It does require time (realistically: 4–8 weeks working evenings) and basic DIY skills. You don't need to be a carpenter — you need to know how to use a drill and a saw.
Ready-built campervan means higher cost but less stress and a quick start. When buying a campervan with a conversion, check: the state of the electrical installation, roof waterproofing, insulation quality, signs of mould around windows.
The reality of van life — what nobody tells you
Vanlife on social media looks like one long holiday. Vanlife in practice is something quite different — and it's worth knowing this before you invest time and money.
- Logistics are daily: Where do I sleep tonight? Where do I fill up water? Where do I charge equipment? Where do I do laundry? These questions come back every day and you need to learn to answer them efficiently.
- A shower isn't always available: A shower every 2–3 days using campsites and gyms. Those with their own shower in the van use up to 5 litres per wash — which requires discipline.
- Weather has a huge impact: A rainy week in a small van without a roof vent is a patience test. A sunny afternoon in southern Europe without air conditioning too. Ventilation is crucial.
- A van is not a house on wheels — it's a lifestyle: Space is small. Possessions need to be reduced. Routines change. This is simultaneously what people love about van life and what drives some of them out of it after a month.
Finances and remote work — what does it cost?
Contrary to what you might expect, vanlife doesn't have to be expensive. A couple living in Western Europe spends on average €1,500–€2,500 per month on everything: fuel, food, campsites, insurance, repairs. A solo van lifer — €900–€1,500. This is often less than the cost of renting a flat in a big city.
Remote work is the most common model for financing vanlife. Developers, designers, copywriters, consultants — any profession that can be done via the internet works in a van. The key is stable internet: a 4G/5G router with an external antenna and two SIM cards from different operators.
Your first route — how to begin?
Don't start with a three-month expedition to Morocco. Start with a weekend in your home country or the nearest neighbouring one. Test the van, work out what you're missing, learn the logistics. Then a week. Then two. Vanlife is best entered gradually.
When planning your first route it's helpful to have a tool that quickly finds overnight spots, interesting points nearby and checks local regulations. Travel Rules is an iOS app built exactly for this — it works offline and includes a packing checklist that's invaluable on first trips. If you'd like a comprehensive vanlife guide in ebook form, take a look at the Travel Rules Ebook.
Summary
Vanlife isn't for everyone — and that's fine. But if you're sitting here reading yet another vanlife blog instead of going to sleep, there's probably something in you that wants to try it. The worst thing you can do is think about it for too long. Rent a campervan for a weekend, drive somewhere beautiful, and decide for yourself.